The Cranes of Uganda got to a winning start in the Cecafa Tusker Challenge Cup 2012 with a 1-0 win over rivals Kenya in a game played at Namboole. Vietnam based Geoffrey ‘Baba’ Kizito was the match winner after his 74th minute header beat Harambe Stars custodian Duncan Ochieng to hit the back of the net. Kawowo Sports’ Ismael Kiyonga rates each of Bobby Williamson’s charges that took to the field. The rating is out of 10 and based on personal observation of the players’ performance on the day.
ABEL DHAIRAH 6.0: He was stretchered off the pitch in the 58th minute after a collision with his defenders Isaac Isinde and Henry Kalungi. Before that, he was less troubled but collected the crosses well and commanded the backline with authority.
DENIS GUMA 6.0: Struggled against Clifton Miheso and later Paul Were but was fouled for the free kick from which the Cranes got the winner. He assisted Baba Kizito’s goal with a well taken free kick.
HENRY KALUNGI 5.0: Occasionally looked like he did not know whether to pass the ball in front or make a back pass. Most of his passes were back passes thus giving opponents time to organize themselves but defended well for the majority of the game until the late crumble that could have cost his side.
ISAAC ISINDE 5.0: He struggled against Ramah Salim in the opening 45 minutes but regained composure in the second period to keep the Gor Mahia forward a bit silent.
GODFREY WALUSIMBI 6.0: He had a poor game by his standards. He didn’t provide much support on the offensive bit like he usually does with marauding skills and at times struggled against Anthony Kimani. He allowed three dangerous crosses into the area from his side.
HASSAN WASSWA 6.5: He continued to impress in the holding midfield role providing enough cover for the backline. A power full display from the skipper but struggled to keep pace with deadly Humphrey Mieno thus allowing so many through balls from the Harambe Stars number 16 which could have cost Uganda on any other day.
GEOFFREY KIZITO BABA 6.0: He scored the only goal of the game that won Uganda the much needed three points but was not so much effective in the game. Wasted two scoring opportunities with his wayward shooting but also forced a good save from Ochieng in the second half.
MOSES OLOYA 7.0: He was Uganda’s best player on the day but was so predictable in whatever he did. Held possession well and his passing was at times terrific. On any other day, he should have gotten an assist and a goal after his well crafted ball hit the cross bar.
HAMIS KIIZA 5.0: Struggled against the well organised Harambe Stars’ defence and never really got any opportunity as a striker to test the man in goal.
BRIAN UMONY 4.0: He had a busy day on the pitch but without effect. He struggled against the big Kenyan defenders David Owino and David Ochieng plus Joackins Atudo. He should have converted from a Moses Oloya ball from the right but was slow to react. He was later withdrawn for Robert Ssentongo with a few minutes to go.
EMMA OKWI 6.0: Always looked like Uganda’s most dangerous attacker even in turgid times. Constantly willing to take the ball and unlucky not score himself.
SUBSTITUTES
HAMZA MUWONGE 5.5: Came for the injured Abel Dhaira in goal. Though not much troubled, he was nervous whenever Harambe Stars attacked but made a finger tip save in the closing stages of the game to deny Kenya a would be deserved equaliser.
ROBERT SSENTONGO N/A
